Vulcanizer



NW, 12, 1935. T. WILLIAMS VULGANI ZER Filed July 31, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR THO/1A5 h. mum/vs ATTORNEYS Nov. 12, 1935. "r. H, WILLIAMS 2,020,669

VULCANIZEH Filed July 51, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR s k W s ATTORNEYS Nov, 12 1935.

'r. H. WILLIAMS 2,020,669

VULCANIZER I I I Filed July 31, 1954 e Sheets-Sheet 5 /Jfl i an:

7] 55 4 Film 5/ m fi 62 W 5 M l" W M/ I 55 INVENTOR 7710mm H. VV/LL/A/ZS .99 BY M6 W ATTORNEYS 12, 1935. 1 T. H. WILLIAMS 2,020,669

VULCANI ZER Filed July 31, 1954 6 Quests-Sheet 4 J c I) 42 1 I dlilvmuw 0 5r ATTO RN EYJ INVENTOR Worms H W/LL/A/IS I T. H. WILLIAMS Nov. 12, 1935.

VULCANIZER 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 31, 1934 Nov. 12, 1935. 11 w s 2,020,669

VULCANI ZER Filed July 51, 1934 6 SheetsSheet 6 ATTORNEY-5 Patented Nov. 12, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VULCANIZER Application July 31, 1934, Serial No. 737,753

19 Claims.

This invention relates to vulcanizers of the individual, watchcase type such as may be used for vulcanizing inner tubes, small molded articles and the like, and more especially it relates to vulcanizers of the character mentioned having means for opening and closing the vulcanizer, and means operating in timed relation thereto for locking the vulcanizer when closed.

In some of its aspects the invention is an improvement upon the vulcanizer of Michelson, Patent No. 2,000,406, issued May '7, 1935, wherein respective fluid pressure actuated cylinders, operating in timed relation to each other, are provided for opening and closing the vulcanizer, and for operating the locking means when the vulcanizer is closed. Fluid pressure cylinders are inherently subject to non-uniformity of operation so that in providing for timed operation of two such cylinders it is necessary to make allowance for non-uniformity of operation, with the result that valuable time is wasted, especially where the operation of one cylinder immediately follows the operation of the other.

The chief objects of the invention are to provide a rotary motor driven means for operating a vulcanizing press of the type having locking means located exteriorly of the vulcanizer; to provide means for opening and closing a vulcanizer and for locking the same, which means will be positive in operation so that they may follow in close sequence, whereby saving of time is effected; and to provide vulcanizer-operating means of the character mentioned which may be stopped and reversed at any time during an operative cycle to avoid partly vulcanizing work that may be improperly mounted in the vulcanizer.

Another important object of the invention is to provide vulcanizer-operating mechanism of the character mentioned that is absolutely safe in that the vulcanizer when open cannot possibly close due to failure of the opening mechanism. A further object is to provide improved limitswitch construction whereby the operating motor is stopped automatically when the vulcanizer reaches fully open or fully closed position.' Other objects will be manifest.

Of the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a vulcanizer embodying the invention, in its preferred form in closed or operative position;

Figure 2 is a section, on a larger scale, on the line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary section, on a larger scale, on the line 33 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a detail side elevation of a portion of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, the cover of a switch-box being removed to show the mechanism therein;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, showing the position of the apparatus during the initial phase of an opening operation, a part of the structure being broken away for clearness of illustration; and

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing the position of the parts when the vulcanizer is in completely open position.

Referring to the drawings, the vulcanizer comprises a pair of spaced apart base members or standards Ill, I0 upon which is mounted an annular bed or lower platen II that carries the lower section I2 of a two-part mold comprising annular, mating, steam-jacketed mold sections I2. I3. The platen I I is arranged at an angle to the standards I0 with its front at lower elevation to facilitate the mounting and removal of work from the mold, and for removing water of condensation from the steam jackets thereof. The platen II is formed with an upstanding annular, axial flange I4 that engages the inner periphery of the lower mold section I2 to prevent lateral movement of the latter.

The base I I is formed in its top face with a concentric, annular chamber or recess l5 in which is mounted an annular diaphragm I6 of elastic rubber, and a metal plate I! superposed on the diaphragm, said plate and diaphragm being clamped together to form a fluid-tight seal at their inner and outer peripheries. Pressure fluid is supplied to the space between the plate and diaphragm through a pipe I8 extending to a suitable source of pressure fluid (not shown). A suitable spacing and insulating structure 20 of metal and asbestos is positioned between the bottom of mold section I2 and the top of platen I I,

and radial ribs or strips 2| are secured to the bottom of the said insulating structure and extend into recess I5 so as to be engaged by plate I'I when the latter rises due to distension of diaphragm I6 when fluid pressure is admitted through pipe I8. The insulating structure prevents heat from the mold sections from deleteriously affecting diaphragm I6. The arrangement is such that the lower mold section I2 has limited axial movement relatively of platen II with the result that when the vulcanizer is closed and locked, admission of pressure fluid through pipe I8 will force the lower mold section upwardly, firmly into engagement with upper mold section I3 throughout their mating faces,

At the rear of the vulcanizer the standards ID are extended upwardly as shown at I0 and in their uppermost portion is journaled a hinge pin 23 that is positioned substantially in the parting plane of the mold sections I2, I3. Between the standard-extensions Ill the hinge pin 23 is square as shown and carries a bifurcated hinge arm 24 that is formed with a pair of aligned slots, such as the slot 25, in which the hinge pin is received. Respective adjusting screws 26 extend through the hinge arm structure into slots 25 to engage hinge pin 23, the arrangement being such that the hinge arm may be adjusted relatively of the hinge pin when molds of different heights are used in the vulcanizer. The construction also permits the hinge arm to be lifted off the hinge pin, upon occasion, by upward movement of the mold sections induced by distension of the diaphragm H5. The hinge arm 24 extends forwardly from its pivot 23 and at its forward end is removably connected to an upper platen or spider 21 by means of a pair of pins 28, 28. The uppermold section 93 is secured to the under side of upper platen 21 by screws 29, 29 or any other suitable means.

As is shown in Figure 2, the mold sections I2, I 3 define an annular molding cavity 3 Iv for the vulcanization of an annular, hollow article 32, such as an inner tube, but it will be understood that other molds may be provided for molding and vulcanizing other articles, and they may be solid or hollow as desired.

The respective portions of the hinge arm 24 extend rearwardly of pivot pin 23 and at their rear ends carry respective pivot pins 34 by which they are pivotally connected to the upper ends of respective arcuate links, such as the link 35. The said pivotal connection includes a slot 36 in each link 35 through which slot pivot pin 34 extends with'the result that there is a determinate amount of lost motion between hinge arm 24 and links 35. The lower ends of links 35 are positioned on opposite sides of a cam and crank gear 38 and are pivotally connected to the latter by a crank pin 39. The cam and crank gear 38 is mounted upon a crank shaft 49 that is suitably journaled at its end portions in the respective standards It). The gear teeth on the cam and crank gear extend about two-thirds the distance about its periphery, and mesh with a pinion 4| that is mounted upon a counter-shaft 42 that is journaled in the respective standards l8. .Mounted upon oneend of counter-shaft 42 is a gear 43 that is meshed with the driving pinion 44 of a reduction gear device 45 that is associated with a reversible motor 46. The latter is provided with a magnetic brake 41 of known design.

Referring to Figures 4, 5, and 6, it will be seen that opening of the vulcanizer is effected by the rotation of cam and crank gear 38, in a clockwise direction, from the position shown in Figure 4 to the position shown in Figure 6. Closing of the vulcanizer is effected by reverse rotation of the said, gear through the same angular distance. The initial movement in clockwise direction of gear 38, wherein it moves from the position shown in Figure 4 to the position shown in Figure 5, produces no corresponding movement of upper platen 21 because of the lost motion connection between link 35 and hinge arm 24, the interval required for this movement being utilized for unlocking the 'vulcanizer as presently will be explained. When the vulcanizer is in the fully opened position shown in Figure 6, it will be observed that crank pin 39 is over-center with relation to pivot pin 34 and crank shaft 40 with the result that the static weight of the upper platen 21 and mold section l3 urges the cam and crank gear 38 to rotation in a clockwise direction. Thus if there should be any failure or breakage of the motor-brake or reduction gear mechanism, while the vulcanizer isopen, clockwise rotation of gear 33 would carry link 35 to a positive 'stop against crank shaft 40, thus pre venting descent of the upper platen and mold secin that portion thereof above its pivot, and has 10 its upper end forked, there being a pin or shaft 53 journaled in said fork. The medial portion of shaft 53 is eccentric with relation to the journals thereof, and clamped upon said eccentric portion is a wedge block 54 that has an oblique 15 bottom face. A pin or stud 55 mounted in one side of the locking-arm fork extends between the clamp flanges of the wedge block 54 in such a manner as to permit limited angular movement of the latter and its supporting shaft 53. upper platen 21 is formed with heavy, bracketlike lugs 56, 56 projecting laterally from opposite sides thereof, the top faces of said lugs being somewhat tapered or downwardly sloped. The

Thezo oblique, bottom faces of the respective wedge 25 block 54 engage the complementally sloped faces of the lugs 56 with a wedging action in the closed or locked condition of the vulcanizer, as shown in full lines in Figure 2, the pivotal mounting of the shafts 53, which permits limited angular 36 movement of the wedge blocks 54, enabling the latter to seat flush on the lugs 55 under all conditions. Rotation of shaft 53 will alter the posi tion of Wedge block 54 lengthwise of locking arm whereby the effective length of the latter may 85 be varied to suit variable conditions.

The locking arms 53 are moved between the locking position shown in full lines in Figure 2 and the unlocked position shown in broken lines in the same figure by power mechanism that 41y engages the lower ends of said locking arms. As is most clearly shown in Figures 1 and 3, the lower portions of the locking arms 50 are of lesser width than those portions thereof above pivots 5i, and are not transversely aligned with each 45 other, being on opposite sides of the plane indicated by section line 2-2 of Figure 1 of the drawings. Pivotally mounted on pivot pins 58 in the free lower ends of the respective locking arms 50 are blocks 59, 59 disposed on each side of said 50 arms. Each block 59 is formed with an aperture above and below its pivot 58 in which apertures are slidingly received one end of respective connecting rods 63, the other ends of the latter being fixedly secured to blocks 6|, 6i that are similar to blocks 59 and are pivotally mounted at their middles upon hinge pins 52 mounted in one end of respective racks 33. Respective compression springs 54 are mounted upon the connecting rods 59 between blocks 59, 6!, and nuts threaded 60 onto the ends of said rods and bearing against blocks 59 are provided for adjusting the position of the locking arms 59 with relation to racks 63. The arrangement is such as to provide yielding ing arms whereby no damage will result if the wedge blocks 54 do not pass freely into engagement with the sloped faces of lugs 56 during the operation of locking the vulcanizer.

connections between the racks G3 and the lock- 5 The racks 63 mesh with a pinion 61, on opposite sides thereof, said pinion being journaled on a stub-shaft 38 that extends downwardly from the bottom of lower platen l l; at the axis thereof- The pinion. 6'! is enclosed in a housing 69 that is carried by lower platen H, and said housing carries a pair of rollers l0, ii! that engage the backs of respective racks 63 for holding the racks in mesh with pinion El. Housing 69 also is formed with a slideway for a rack I2 that is meshed with pinion til, said rack I2 being disposed transversely of racks 63 in a different plane, and extending toward the rear of the vulcanizer. At its rear end the rack 12 is secured to a slide 73 that straddles and is supported by a square guide block it that is journaled upon crank shaft M3, the slide being movable longitudinally relatively of said guide block. A collar l5 on the crank shaft holds the guide block 54 in place adjacent the hub of gear 33, the latter and said collar preventing movement of the slide laterally of the guide block. Longitudinal reciprocation of slide 13 is effected by means of a roller camfollower HS that is journaled on a spindle 'I'I that is mounted in slide it and projects toward cam and crank gear 33, said cam-follower engaging in an arcuate cam groove 13 formed in said gear. Reciprocation of slide is reciprocates rack 12 and thereby oscillates pinion 5'! to reciprocate racks 53 in opposite directions whereby angular movement of locking arms 59 is efiected for locking and unlocking the vulcanizer.

As will be seen from the drawings, the major portion of cam groove 18 is disposed adjacent the outer perimeter of the cam and crank gear and is concentric with crank shaft it. A minor portion of the cam groove, at one end thereof, turns sharply inward and terminates close to the hub of the gear. The crank pin 39 and cam groove is are so disposed relatively of each other that when the vulcanizer is in the closed position shown in Figure 4, cam-follower I6 is at the innermost part of cam groove '58 whereby the locking arms 59 are in the locking position shown most clearly in full lines in Figure 2. When the cam and crank gear is in the position shown in Figure 5, in which position the link 35 is ready to start the lifting of the upper platen and upper mold section, cam-follower '16 has almost reached the concentric portion of cam groove I8, and the locking arms 59 have been swung angularly, as shown in broken lines in Figure 2, sufficiently clear of lugs E i of the upper platen to permit the latter to be lifted. The cam-follower rides in the concentric portion of cam groove 78 as gear 38 moves from the position shown in Figure 5 to the position shown in Figure 6 to lift the upper platen 2'! and thus holds the locking arms 50 in spread apart, inoperative position.

Sometimes the mold sections I2, i3 stick to each other during a vulcanizing operation so that lifting of the upper mold section exerts a strong upward pull on the lower mold section. To prevent such pull from lifting the lower mold section off its centering flange I4, a safety device is provided, said device comprising a block 80 that is mounted for angular adjustment upon the front of lower platen II, and an angular arm BI that is mounted for longitudinal adjustment upon block 39. The upper end portion of arm 8! is rearwardly inclined, and an adjustable stop-stud 82 is threaded therethrough, the operative end of said stop-stud being disposed adjacent but not in contact with the base flange of lower mold section I2. The arrangement is such that stud 82 permits such upward movement of the lower mold section as is induced by the distension of diaphragm I6, but prevents further upward movement of the mold section such as might be caused by sticking to the upper mold section. The feature of angular and longitudinal adjustability of block 8!! and arm 8I, respectively, adapt the device for use with mold sections having base flanges of different sizes and heights.

Sometimes it is important that the mold sections I2, I3 be positioned and retained in determinate angular relation to each other. To this end the brackets 52 on one side of the vulcanizer are extended upwardly in the form of ears 52 52 through which are threaded respective adjusting screws 84, 84 that engage opposite sides of one of the lifting lugs 85 that project from opposite sides of the mold section I2. The lug 85 may be grooved, as shown in Figure 1, to receive the ends of said adjusting screws, and the latter are not set up too tightly as to interfere with such upward movement of the mold section as is induced by distension of diaphragm it. The screws 84 retain the lower mold section l2 in proper angular position and provide means for limited angular adjustment of the mold section.

The apparatus is electrically operated, preferably by means that is substantially automatic in its operation so that after the work is mounted in the vulcanizer, the pressing of a single button will start a cycle of operation that terminates with the opening of the apparatus to permit the removal of the full vulcanized article. The electric control means includes manually operated means whereby the cycle of operation may be interrupted at any time and the vulcanizer again opened, and when inflatable articles are vulcanized in the apparatus the control means may also control the admission of pressure fluid to the article and the venting of fluid therefrom. Admission of pressure fluid through pipe I8 to distend diaphragm I6 also is automatically effected. Electric control mechanism of the character mentioned is well known to trade and for that reason is not shown herein except for an improved limit switch which serves to cut off the operation of motor 46 and apply magnetic brake 4'! thereto when, in the operation of the apparatus, the movable upper platen reaches its fully open or fully closed position.

The said limit switch is enclosed in a housing 8? that is formed integral with one of the standards It, about the journal of crank shaft Ml, and provided with the usual cover. The end portion of crank shaft 40, reduced in diameter, extends into housing 81, and mounted upon said end portion of the crank shaft are two switch levers 88 and as and a switch bracket 9!], the latter being journaled on the shaft between the switch levers B3, 89 which are secured to the shaft. The free end portions of switch levers 88, 89 are bent at right angles so as to project into the plane of the switch bracket 90 as is most clearly shown in Figure 3. The switch bracket 90 comprises a downwardly extending plate upon which are mounted two make-and-break switches 9|, 92 disposed at an angle to each other in the orbits of the overhanging end portions of the switch levers 88, 89. A pair of tension springs 93, $3 are connected to two spaced points on the switch bracket 98 and to an adjustable stud 94 threaded through the bottom of housing 81, the arrangement being such as yieldingly to hold the switch bracket in determinate angular position on crank shaft Mi. Each switch BI, 92 is pro-vided with a depressible operating button 95.

It will be seen with reference to Figure 4 that when the vulcanizer is fully closed switch lever to is in engagement with switch 9 i, holding the same in reverse condition whereby power is disconnected from motor 46 and applied to magnetic brake 41. In like manner, when the'vulcanizer is fully open switch lever 89 is in engagement with switch 52, as shown in Figure 6, to hold said switch 92 in reverse condition whereby motor 46 is idle and braked! is applied thereto. In either case it will be seen that switch bracket 90 has been tilted out of normal position against the tension of one of the springs 93. The arrangement is such as to allow for coasting or over-run of the cam shaft in between the time switches 9| or 92 are operated and the time that motor 46 is brought to a complete stop.- The switch arms 88, 89 are adjustable angularly on cam-shaft 40 so that the opening and closing movements of the vulcanizer may be stopped at the prop-er instant while allowing for the over-run mentioned.

The electrical control means also includes a switch box 91, Figure 1, that is mounted at the front of the vulcanizer for the convenience of the operator, said switch box enclosing three push-button switches marked raise, lower, and stop. These switches are so mounted in the electric control circuit as to permit the op erator to stop the operation of the vulcanizer at any time during an operative cycle and to raise and/or lower the movable platen as desired.

The operation of the vulcanizer is simple. With the vulcanizer Figure 6, the work 32 is mounted in the mold cavity 3!, and if the work is an inflatable article such as an inner tube, a fluid pressure connection (not shown) is attached to the inflating stern thereof. The operator than presses the lower button of switch 9! which starts an automatically controlled operative cycle comprising lowering upper platen 21, looking upper platen by means of locking arms 50, admitting fluid to the work, and admitting fluid through pipe it to distend diaphragm l6. This condition of the apparatus obtains for a determinate interval of time, sufficient to vulcanize the work, it being understood that the mold sections l2, l3 are constantly heated by the circulation of steam through their steam jackets. Automatically at the terrmnation of the vulcanizing interval, pressure fluid is vented from the work, pressure fluid is vented from pipe !8 to cause collapse of distended diaphragm l6, locking arms 5B are moved to unlocked position, and the upper platen is raised to its open position. The finished work may then be removed, and the cycle repeated as often as desired.

The feature of providing the rotatable gear 38, which constitutes a crank, for'opening and closing the vulcanizer, makes it possible to impart movement to the movable platen relatively slowly and to terminate said movement relatively slowly as compared to the rate of movement during the intermediate interval with the result that jolts and jars largely are eliminated. The feature of forming a cam on the said gear and utilizing said cam for controlling the locking mechanism provides such positive and accurate timed operation of the locking mechanism with relation to the opening and closing of the vulcanizer that one operation may closely follow the in the open position shown in.

other objects set out in the foregoing statement of objects.

Modification may be resorted to without departing from'the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a vulcanizer, the combination of a pair of relatively movable vulcanizer sections, an arcuate, movable link pivotally connected at one of its ends to one of said vulcanizer sections, at

least, for opening and closing the vulcanizer, an'

osoillatable crank to which the other end of said link is connected for imparting orbital movement to that end of the link, and a crank shaft on which the crank is mounted and which extends across the path of movement of the link to limit the movement thereof in one direction when the vulcanizer is open.

2. In a vulcanizer, the combination of a pair of relatively movable vulcanizer sections, an arcuate link connected at least to one of said sections. for effecting relative movement thereof, a crank to which said link is connected, a crankshaft'carrying said crank, said crank-shaft traversing the path of movement of said link and limiting the movement thereof in one direction when the vulcanizer isopen, means for angu larly moving said crank to actuate said link to open and close the vulcanizer, and means for stopping the movement of the crank in determinate position'such that when the vulcanizer is open the connection between the crank and link is over center with relation to the axis of the crank shaft and the connection of the link with the vulcanizer section, movement of the link is prevented except upon angular movement of the crank.

3. In a vulcanizer, the combination of a stationary and a movable vulcanizer section, a link connected to the movable section for opening and closing the vulcanizer, a crank to which said link is connected, said crank comprising a gear segment, a crank-shaft on which said crank is mounted, a reversible motor for oscillating said crank by means of said gear segment to open and close the vulcanizer, and a pair of limit switches carried by the crank shaft for stopping rotation of the motor at determinate angular positions of'the crank shaft.

4. In a vulcanizer, the combination of a stationary and a movable vulcanizer section, a link connected to the movable section for opening and closing the vulcanizer, a crank to which said link whereby retrogressive 35 is connected, a crank-shaft supporting said' crank, a reversible motor for oscillating said crank and crank-shaft, a pair of yieldingly mounted limit switches for stopping rotation of the motor, and a pair of switch levers secured to said crank-shaft for engaging and operating said limit switches in determinate angular positions of the crank shaft.

5. In a vulcanizer the combination of a, pair of relatively movable mold sections, a link connected to one of said sections for opening and closing the vulcanizer, a crank to which said link is connected, 7 a crank-shaft supporting said crank, a reversible motor for operating said crank and crank-shaft, a pair of limit switches swiveled on the crank-shaft, said switches being adapted to stop operation of said motor. and a pair of switch levers secured on said crank-shaft for engaging and operating the respective limit switches in determinate angular positions of the crank shaft.

6. A combination as defined in claim 5 including yielding means normally holding the limit switches in determinate angular position on the crank-shaft, yet permitting angular displacement of the switches upon engagement by the switch levers.

7. In a vulcanizer, the combination of a pair of relatively movable vulcanizer sections, a link connected to one of said sections for opening and closing the vulcanizer, a crank to which said link is connected, an angularly movable locking arm on one vulcanizer section adapted to engage the other section to lock the vulcanizer in the closed position thereof, cam means for operating the locking arm, and rotary power driven means for turning the crank and cam in unison.

8. In a vulcanizer, the combination of a pair of relatively movable vulcanizer sections, a link connected to one of said sections for opening and closing the vulcanizer, an angularly movable looking arm on one vulcanizer section adapted to engage the other section to lock the vulcanizer in the closed position thereof, a unitary crank and cam structure having operative connection with the link and locking arm respectively, and rotary power driven means for oscillating the crank and cam structure.

9. In a vulcanizer, the'combination of a pair of relatively movable vulcanizer sections, a link connected to one of said sections for opening and closing the vulcanizer, an angularly movable locking arm on one vulcanizer section adapted to engage the other section to lock the vulcanizer in the closed position thereof, a single, angularly movable, driven member to which said link and locking arm are connected to operate the same in timed relation to each other, and a reversible electric motor for oscillating said last mentioned member.

10. In a vulcanizer, the combination of a pair of relatively movable vulcanizer sections, a link connected to one of said sections for opening and closing the vulcanizer, an angularly movable locking arm pivoted on one vulcanizer section adapted to engage the other section to lock the vulcanizer in the closed position thereof, a unitary cam and crank structure having connection with the locking arm and link, the latter connection being a lost motion connection for operating the locking arm and link in timed relation to each other, and rotary power driven means for oscillating the cam and crank structure.

11. A combination as defined in claim 10 including a yielding connection between the looking arm and the cam and crank structure.

12. In a vulcanizer, the combination of a pair of relatively movable vulcanizer sections, a link connected to one of said sections for opening and closing the vulcanizer, a locking arm pivoted to one vulcanizer section and engageable with the other vulcanizer section for locking the vulcanizer in the closed position thereof, a rack connected to one end of said locking arm, a pinion with which said rack is meshed, a second rack meshed with said pinion for driving the same, and a single power member for reciprocating said second rack and link.

13. In a vulcanizer, the combination of a pair of relatively movable vulcanizer sections, a link connected to one of said sections for opening and closing the vulcanizer, a pivotally mounted locking arm adapted to engage a vulcanizer section to lock the vulcanizer in the closed position thereof, a rack connected to one end of said locking arm, a pinion with which said rack is meshed, a second rack meshed with said pinion for driving the same, and a rotary power driven member being connected to said link and second rack for reciprocating them in timed relation to each other.

14. A combination as defined in claim 13 including a lost motion connection between the link and the rotary power driven member.

15. A combination as defined in claim 13 including a yielding connection between the locking arm and the rotary power driven member.

16. In a vulcanizer, the combination of a pair of relatively movable vulcanizer sections, a link connected to one of said sections for opening and closing the vulcanizer, a crank to which one end of said link is connected, a pivotally mounted locking arm adapted to engage a vulcanizer section to lock the vulcanizer in the closed position thereof, a rack connected to one end of said locking arm, a pinion with which said rack is meshed, a second rack meshed with said pinion for driving the same, a cam adapted to recipro cate said second'rack, and a single rotary power member for operating said cam and crank in unison.

17. In a vulcanizer, the combination of a pair of vulcanizer sections, a link connected to one of said sections for opening and closing the vulcanizer, a pair of pivotally mounted locking arms on opposite sides of the vulcanizer adapted to engage a vulcanizer section to lock the vulcanizer in the closed position thereof, a pair of racks yieldingly connected to said locking arms, a pinion with which said racks are meshed, a second rack meshed with said pinion for driving the same, and means for reciprocating said link and second rack in timed relation to each other.

18. In a vulcanizer, the combination of a pair of vulcanizer sections, a link connected to one of said sections for opening and closing the vulcanizer, a crank with which one end of said link has lost motion connection, a pair of pivotally mounted locking arms on opposite sides of the vulcanizer adapted to engage a vulcanizer section to lock the vulcanizer in the closed position thereof, a pair of racks having yielding connection with said locking arms, a pinion with which said racks are meshed, a second rack meshed with said pinion for driving the same, a cam formed integral with said crank for reciprocating said second rack, and rotary power driven means for oscillating said crank.

19. In a vulcanizer, the combination of a pair of vulcanizer sections, a link connected to one of said sections for opening and closing the vulcanizer, a crank with which one end of said link has lost motion connection, a crank-shaft supporting said crank, a pair of pivotally mounted locking arms on opposite sides of the vulcanizer adapted to engage a vulcanizer section to lock the vulcanizer in the closed position thereof, a pair of racks having yielding connection with the said locking arms, a pinion with which said racks are meshed, a second rack meshed with said pinion for driving the same, a cam formed integral with said crank for reciprocating said second rack, a reversible motor for rotating said crank and crank shaft, and a pair of limit switches carried upon the crank shaft for stop- 70 

